What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get i lost my only car key (click through the following post) in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, and so on. It's not always the big stuff. Sometimes, it's the small things such as keys.

A new key for the majority of automobiles can be made at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective alternative.

Retract Your Steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able to get into your car. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. But the first thing you must do if you lose the only car key you have is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic won't help you locate your keys quicker and could cause more damage.

Begin by attempting to remember the last time you had your keys. You might have lost car keys replaced them when you brought in groceries or put them in your pocket when you were out running an run. You can find your keys by retracing your steps.

If you aren't able to retrace steps try writing down all the places you visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and may give you a clue as to where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you might just be able to pick them up right where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

Not so long ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key was not a big issue. The majority of people had spare keys connected to their car in a small container that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars based on the car's type and model year. This is why it's crucial to have a backup in case you lose your sole car key.

Before you start worrying about losing your sole car key take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down you can go through the steps to locate it. Begin by retracing your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your hand. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you grab other things, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car lost key where they aren't visible.

The next step is to thoroughly search your car, particularly the areas where you typically keep them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or left them on your dashboard when you got out of your car to go into a store.

It is also important to examine your purses, pockets and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets, or large bags.

Get help from a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can usually make you a new one right on the spot. If you have a key fob that has chip and is a more recent model, you will have to contact the dealer to get a new one.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're busy. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone or forgot them, it's easy to lose them. The good thing is that the majority of people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can be located in the right place. If you have an extra key, you need to check all of the places where you have previously hidden keys. These include obvious places such as backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to attach to your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. They are ideal for hiding keys as they can't be knocked off accidentally when driving over a bump, and they will also shield your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units also have combination locks, so that even if a friend gets the key but they aren't in a position to open the door without your help.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another way to conceal keys. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, however you must be aware that thieves are usually looking for these items. If you do decide to employ this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

The hood is a final place to check. It's a good spot to conceal keys to the gas cap if you have one. It won't be visible. Be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to take it out.

There are methods to lessen the impact of keys missing from your car in your day-to-day life. You can find your keys by Retracting Your Steps and checking the most frequent hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith can help you avoid wasting time and money.

Contact a Locksmith

Unless you have spare keys stashed in a safe place, the best thing to do if you lose your car keys is to contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the lost key quickly, and give you suggestions on how to replace lost car keys to avoid this occurring again in the future. You can also try contacting an auto key duplicate business. But, they'll require the exact brand, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate the key.

If your car is a more recent model, or uses an electronic key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer for a new replacement. This can be costly in particular when the dealer needs to order a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or even weeks.

One thing that a lot of people don't realize is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as a dealership but at only a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in the event of a lost or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance that can provide professionals to assist you in getting into your car.

It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing an agent. It's essential to notify your keys as quickly as possible, too. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the case of a robbery or assault. Reporting your keys will also let police officers be on watch for anyone who may try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from prosecution in the event that someone tries to take your car. It is essential not to panic if you have lost your only car keys. Instead, you should follow the steps listed above and ask for the help of a family member, if needed.